How To: Grow Your Hair In Time For Your Wedding

By Emma Coppock of Wedding Belles, Lancashire.

www.weddingbellesbeauty.co.uk

So, the big day is finally booked and your mind is filled with exciting plans of what the next few weeks/months or maybe years will have in store for you and your fiance!!! There are many things you will be able to control, whether it be timescales, budget, colour scheme or bridesmaids but unfortunately there are always those things you can’t control....like weather, hormones and maybe the mother in law ;).  My job is simply to help move a few things over to the ‘stress free’ column of that ever extending ‘to-do’ list! However I won’t be touching on the details of your wedding, I’m concentrating on you, THE BRIDE, it’s time to indulge ladies!!

www.weddingbellesbeauty.co.uk

I will be giving advice and tips on the beauty essentials in the run up to your big day covering everything from hair and make-up to tanning and skincare!! If you have any questions please head over to @weddingbelles1 on Twitter.

This week I am looking at hair......now let’s assume you have always dreamt of beautiful flowing locks or a fabulous top knot of Rapunzel-length hair, however a week before your boyfriend proposes you have a moment of pure braveness and return home with the ever gorgeous POB (posh spice bob) – devastation! (this may sound like a story but believe me.....it’s my story)

www.weddingbellesbeauty.co.uk

 

Don’t panic - your hair WILL grow!!! Phew!! Hair grows at an average of ½ to 1 inch per month but there is a few things you can do to help the process.

1. Regular trims every 6 weeks will get rid of dead ends and help the hair grow healthier.

2. Try and limit use of heated appliances, they will break your hair if overused (the exact opposite of what you are trying to achieve)

3. Hot Oil treatments and head massages increase blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting the hair to grow faster.

4. Vitamins B & E can help the hair grow faster so try taking these supplements. However Vitamin B can be found in the following foods: Banana’s, Potato’s, Tuna & Avocado's.

5. Keep calm.....stress is one of the main factors of hair loss!!

Remember, if you suit your hair short...keep it short don’t always follow convention, many salons offer trials so have one and make the most of it!! And if all else fails.....there’s some fabulous hairpieces around these days...ask your stylist to help source these for you. Take a look at the ‘ever-changing’ Sienna Millers locks to see that you can go from short too long in the time it takes to....plan a wedding???

Sienna took 2 years to grow her short crop out.



www.instyle.com

www.dailymakeover.com

And if all else fails....FAKE IT!!!

www.rm-uk.com

Hiuge thanks to Emma for this highly informative peice, we'll be posting more of Emma's how to's over the weeks so if you enjoy them and find them useful then please let us know by commenting.  Have a happy Monday and make sure you check the blog at 10am tomorrow morning for a wedding to die for!

Philosophy Flowers Top Wedding Flower Tips: Part Two

Part 2 of Tuesdays wedding flowers tips is here today.  Remember if you find these useful then pretty please leave your feedback below.  Again, these very helpful tips are courtesy of the talented guys at Philosophy Flowers.

Check out what flowers will be in bloom at your venue on your wedding day. Use the same in your bouquet for max effect.

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Your florist should label who each buttonhole & bouquet is for to avoid confusion.

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Understand what you are paying for and also liable for. Glassware can often be expensive if broken.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Try small unique multiple displays for your top table instead of a usual arrangement.

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Look to book your florist at least 6 months in advance. Popular summer dates quickly get taken.

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Most vases, ornaments and display items can be sprayed to perfectly match your flowers and theme.

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Scale and proportion is key for ensuring your bouquet is perfect for you.

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A delicate wrist corsage can make a lovely addition or alternative to a bridesmaids bouquet.

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How about a modern version of your mothers wedding bouquet for a great idea and a little tribute.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Your florist should supply spare pins and magnets for buttonholes and other items.

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Try a sign decorated with flowers to guide guests to your venue.

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If having DIY flowers, factor in 2-3 days of work and preparation depending on flowers and quantity.

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It takes 2 people to get married. Make sure both of you have a say in the flowers and designs.

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Consider ferns, heathers, foliage & berries as an alternative to traditional buttonholes.
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Ask your bridesmaids what their favourite flower is. If possible you can personalise each bouquet. Whilst keeping to your theme and matching your bouquet of course!
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Winter weddings are becoming ever more popular as couples try to shave a few £££’s of the cost.

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When choosing flowers for your bouquet ask your florist how heavy it will be. You have to carry it!

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Why not use extra flowers or seeds that relate to your wedding as favours & gifts?

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Displays from church could be taken to your reception venue to get maximum effect.

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Why not use your floral table centres as the markers for your seating plan?

For more inspirational picture and ideas please visit Philosophy Flowers blog  http://philosophyflowers.co.uk/blog/ or Facebook page.  You can also follow them on Twitter @philosophyf.

Have a good weekend folks and I'll be back next week with lots of loveliness especially for Valentines Day!

Love Lancashire Bride x

WIN with Glamour Bridal & Prom



www.rainbowclub.co.uk



To celebrate Valentines Day 2012 Glamour Bridal and Prom are giving one lucky bride the chance to win a stunning pair of the award winning Rainbow Club shoes to the value of £150.00. All you need to do is visit the website www.glamourbolton.com, take a look at their beautiful range of gowns and email the name of the dress which has the same name as one of the most popular symbols of valentines day. Send your answers to enquiries@glamourbolton.com giving us your name, wedding date, email address and contact number to be in with a chance to win. Its as easy as that!

All other entrants will automatically receive a fab voucher worth £25.00 to spend on any of our gorgeous range of accessories including veils, headdresses, shoes and jewellery.

* Terms and Conditions*
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer
No cash alternative
£25.00 voucher offer applies to all purchases over £700.00
Draw to be made 12.00 noon Tuesday 14th February - all entrants will be notified of results.

Will You Be My Valentine?

  Listen up boyfriends, forget the boring usual presents of tacky underwear, supermarket bought chocolate and heart shaped kitchen utilities.  Here is the ultimate guide to what your other half will actually want!

www.bakerella.com via pinterest




Here is a selection of what the best local suppliers have to offer and even better, I've avoided the high street!




1. Cupcake bathbomb from www.pampernplay.com/ or from their shop in Preston City Centre
 2. Selection of chocolate from www.chocolate-cafe.co.uk/ or visit their cafe in Ramsbottom
3. Umbrella from a gorgeous selection at www.loveumbrellas.co.uk/
 4. Valentine friendship bracelet from www.poppysparkles.co.uk/
5. Wine hamper from www.shireshampers.co.uk also available at Heskin Halls Farmers Market



1. Customisable sweet jars from www.thesweetpantry.co.uk
2. Roses from www.flowersbystems.co.uk based at Huntleys in Samlesbury
3. Love Wonderland brooch by www.claireogdendesigns.com
4. Hot air balloon flights available from www.pendle-balloon-flights.co.uk


Special Offers:

£10 off a 1:1 Makeup Lesson with Louise Stewart Professional MUA.

Lessons are priced at £50 for 1-2 hours or £80 for 3 hours. 

www.louisepromakeup.co.uk/make-up-lessons-parties-bolton

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£20 for a Valentines photoshoot with 10x8 print included. 

Also 10% off a Platinum Album.

www.jennymartinphotography.co.uk/

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2 dine for £25 at Flaming Grill at The Yarrowbridge in Chorley.

Includes 3 course meal and a glass of Prosecco each.

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PLUS look out for a special post at 3pm this afternoon were I'll be unveiling a very exciting competition!

A Taste of Lancashire: Poppy Sparkles

After the response to my last 'A Taste of Lancashire' feature, where I showcase fabulous and local suppliers, I am so pleased to welcome Viv Smith to the blog today.  Yet another perfect example of why we should shop locally and support Lancashire businesses when it comes to planning your Lancashire wedding.  Here is Viv to tell us more about Poppy Sparkles.

"I’m Viv Smith, the designer maker and owner of Poppy Sparkles. I’ve been making jewellery since my early teens and selling it for nearly as long. Whilst on a career break from teaching to be a full time mum, I decided to take the opportunity to take my jewellery making and selling a step further, launching Poppy Sparkles in March 2010."

Boho bracelet

Boho drop earrings

 How did your passion for making jewellery begin?

"Forbidden to have my ears pierced and not keen on the clip on earrings available, I began to make my own earrings. I quickly developed a passion for jewellery making and an obsession with beads, especially sparkly crystal. Mostly self-taught, I progressed to making necklace, bracelets and even hair accessories. I love making and crafting, but jewellery is my first and deepest love of all my hobbies and one that I have sought to take further."

Goddess earrings

"With a fondness for freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal making wedding jewellery comes naturally. I also love creating birthstone jewellery - it’s such a privileged to create personalised jewellery, especially my Mummy necklaces."

Can you provide bespoke pieces?

"Working with clients on bespoke orders provide a sense of satisfaction that is hard to beat. I love getting to know my clients, especially brides, through our emails or chats and working closely with them to nail the design and style they want. There is a certain amount of challenge involved as I try to hone in on exactly what a client is after, but it’s a challenge I love and I approach with enthusiasm. I also love bespoke jewellery commissions for the fresh injection of ideas they provide me."

Cascade earrings

What is your favourite piece from your collection?

"Such a tough question! I’m quite fickle and my favourite piece tends to be my latest or newest design! So currently this is my Cascade earrings. My mood also effects which jewellery I favour – feeling fun then it’s Polka, more whimsical and romantic it’s Boho, other times I prefer a classic, simple look with a single pearl earring. I’m wearing my Lustre earrings a lot lately – like classic pearl jewellery, they seem to go well with a multitude of outfits and make a change from simple pearl studs. I also love my Valentine bracelet – I just love how the bright red heart contrasts with the ivory freshwater pearls."

Valentines bracelet

How much time goes into making the pieces?

"This really depends on the design! It’s a bit of a ‘how long is a piece of string?’ question. Developing a design from scratch can be really time consuming until I’m totally happy with the overall look. I can take several weeks of ‘playing’ around with materials and making prototypes before I finally feel I’ve got a new design I’m happy with. Even when I think I’m there, I can find myself going back and tweaking things some more."

Polka dot pink earrings

Polka dot red bracelet

"Making up orders of existing designs varies quite a bit. My perfectionist nature and desire to have a neat finish can make it a more time-consuming process. I also love to giftwrap all my orders, including a little handwritten note to let my customers know I appreciate their support of my handmade jewellery business. I don’t like to rush things as that’s when things go wrong."

Smoky jewel earrings

If you had a dream client to make a piece for, who would it be and why?

"The obvious answer is some high profile celebrity, but the only reason for this for me would be for the celebrity endorsement and boost to my business. I’d love to have more local clients that I could meet for consultations in person, over a pot of tea and cupcakes perhaps, as most of my consultations are via email. My dream client would be someone who wants to chat sparkles and designs, who is enthusiastic about her jewellery and open to ideas, as well as having some of her own. My dream client would be someone who I feel I’m working in collaboration with, rather than just creating some jewellery for."

"Having said all that, I do have one celebrity on my client wish list. As well as beautiful jewellery suitable for Brides and Bridesmaids, I also create Mummy Birthstone necklaces. I would love to create one for Angelina Jolie. With her brood there would a lovely sparkling rainbow of birthstone crystals."

Can you give Lancashire Brides an idea of prices?

Prices start from around £10 up to about £60.

There is FREE UK delivery.

Lustre bracelet

Lustre necklace

 What does 2012 hold for you?

"I’m working on a few new collections for brides and bridesmaids. I’m at the materials strewn all over my work table stage and making prototypes! Poppy Sparkles is beginning to add bricks and mortar shops to the list of stockists. By the end of 2012, I hope that Poppy Sparkles will begin to be available from Bridal Shops, as well as from gift shops.  Work is also underway on a new website."

Where can our readers find out more?

www.poppysparkles.co.uk

www.facebook.com/poppysparkles

www.twitter.com/poppysparkles

www.poppysparkles.blogspot.com

If you're as big as a fan of Viv's work as I am then please show your support by leaving Viv a little message below.

Top Wedding Flowers Tips: Part One

When it comes to organising your wedding flowers, brides are often left in two camps.  The first camp are bewildered and don't know where to start.  The second camp know exactly what they want and how they are going to get it!  However, there is always something that crops up that you may not have thought off.  Whichever camp you're in these tips, kindly provided by Philosophy Flowers,  should provide a helpful guide to get you on your way.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Do as much homework and prep as possible before your consultation.

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Use different styles of table centre around a central theme to add interest to your room.

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Have a 2nd impartial pair of eyes at your consultation for extra help and advice.

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See as many examples of your florists work as possible. Ask if you may speak to past clients.

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Incorporate your ‘something old’ into your bouquet to make it super unique.

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Personalise communal areas at venues with small arrangements to add finishing touches.

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Getting married on the same weekend as other popular events can increase the cost of certain flowers.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

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If possible take a fabric sample of your dress / bridesmaid dresses to your consultation with your florist.

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Young page boys and flowers girls can struggle with bouquets. Try a little basket full of petals instead.

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Candles can make your table arrangements look fantastic. Make sure your venue allows them.

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Be careful when choosing tall table displays. They can obscure your guests view of each other and you!

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On a budget? Don’t skimp on your bouquet its the most photographed. Table centres can be padded out with foliage.

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Present a bay tree, hydrangea or peony bush as a thank you gift. Will last much longer than a bouquet.

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Consider having a extra arrangement for your card & guestbook table to tie in with the others.

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Have details of timings and addresses of where flowers are to be delivered on your big day when meeting with your florist.

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Ask your florist if they can re-package your flowers the day after your wedding for family to take home.

http://philosophyflowers.co.uk

Some flowers stamen leave stains. Lily for example. Ensure they have been removed by your florist.

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Picking flowers that are in season will increase quality, availability and make the most of your budget.

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Choosing one flower in one colour and having lots of them can look stunning.

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Ensure the florist you have your consultation with will be the actual one working on your displays.

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Part two with even more top tips and inspirational pictures with be posted later on this week.  In the meantime why don't you head on over to their blog http://philosophyflowers.co.uk/blog/ or Facebook page. You can also follow them on Twitter @philosophyf. 

If you have found this guide useful then please feel free to leave a comment, the more the merrier!  I strive to write posts that are of interest to brides to be so your feedback is more than welcome, and I am sure Philosophy Flowers would love the feedback too!